Hollywood is mourning the loss of Kimberly Hébert Gregory, the acclaimed actress best known for her breakout role as Dr. Belinda Brown in HBO’s Vice Principals. She passed away on October 3, 2025, in Los Angeles at age 52. Her death was confirmed by her ex-husband and fellow actor, Chester Gregory, though no cause has yet been disclosed.
Born December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, Gregory built a career that blended passion, intellect, and artistry. Before her television success, she honed her craft on stage—her theatre background giving her a commanding screen presence that resonated deeply with audiences.
Her portrayal of Dr. Belinda Brown—a formidable principal navigating chaos in Vice Principals—was both comedic and profound, earning her critical acclaim. Gregory’s career later expanded to memorable performances in Five Feet Apart, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, The Chi, and Barry, as well as voice work in animated series like Craig of the Creek and Jessica’s Big Little World.
In a moving Instagram tribute, Chester Gregory described her as “brilliance embodied, a Black woman whose mind lit every room, whose presence carried both fire and grace.” He reflected on their enduring friendship, writing, “Your story was never defined by the battle, but by the beauty you carried through it.”
Tributes quickly poured in from across Hollywood. Actor Walton Goggins, her Vice Principals co-star, called her “one of the best I’ve ever worked with… a professional’s professional.” Actress Busy Philipps described her as “a light and a force,” while Leslie Odom Jr. and Yvette Nicole Brown shared condolences and praised her lasting impact on the creative community.
Gregory’s passing reverberates beyond Hollywood—it resonates with Black women in the arts who saw in her a reflection of possibility and persistence. In an industry where nuanced representation remains hard-won, she embodied complexity, humor, and strength.
Her work remains part of television’s evolving story: one of talent meeting truth, and of a woman who commanded space with purpose and grace.
Kimberly Hébert Gregory is survived by her son and a legacy that continues to inspire artists, audiences, and dreamers everywhere.
